2 July , 2011 — VTJP
News
Greek authorities arrest US Flotilla boat captain for attempting to sail without permission
IMEMC – Saturday July 02, 2011 – 21:58, One of the ten boats scheduled to travel to Gaza to bring much-needed humanitarian aid and support has had its captain arrested by Greek authorities after attempting to leave port yesterday.
The Day of Victory: Bil’in Celebrates the Removal of the Wall
IMEMC – Saturday July 02, 2011 – 12:49, Press Release; Friday 1-7-2011- For the first time after nearly seven years of resistance and struggle by the residents of Bil’in, the people of the village and a large number of participants from neighboring villages could hold the Friday prayer on the land that has been retrieved 2 days ago.
Captain of American boat jailed in Athens
7/2/2011 – ATHENS, Greece (Ma’an) — The captain of a US boat carrying activists who tried to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza was jailed Saturday in Athens, organizers of the flotilla said. John Klusmer is being charged with two felonies, organizers of the boat told reporters at a news conference in the Greek capital. The…. Related: Greece says ban on ships for Gaza to protect activists
Israel confiscates 189 dunams near Nablus
7/2/2011 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — Israeli authorities issued a confiscation order Friday for 189 dunams of land in the village of Qaryut, southeast of Nablus. Locals are no longer allowed to access the lands as they are considered Israeli “state” property. Head of Qaryout village council Abdul-Nasser Al-Qayrouti told Ma’an that Israeli forces delivered….
Society condemns transfer of sick detainee
7/2/2011 – HEBRON (Ma’an) — A Palestinian prisoners society on Thursday condemned the transfer of a sick detainee on hunger strike to Ashkelon prison, where the group said he would not have access to medical care. Yousef Skaki has been on hunger strike since June 12. He had a heart attack in 2010, suffers from kidney….
Palestinian succumbs to injuries months after shooting
7/2/2011 – HEBRON (Ma’an) — Jalal Khalil Ibrahim Al-Masri, 27, died Friday of serious injuries sustained six months earlier in the occupied West Bank. Al-Masri was shot by Israeli soldiers at Halhul checkpoint in January, causing his car to flip. He was admitted to Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem for treatment of head injuries. Thousands of….
3 Palestinians detained after confronting settlers
7/2/2011 – HEBRON (Ma’an) — Israeli police reportedly detained three Palestinian men on Saturday in the Ar-Ras neighborhood of Hebron in the southern West Bank after they tried to confront a group of settlers who had assaulted them. The detainees were said to be 19-year-old Abed Husni Matariyya, 32-year-old Rami Abdul-Hayy Matariyya, and 34….
Organizers: Gaza flotilla era may be over
7/2/2011 – ATHENS, Greece (Ma’an) — A Greek decision to block ships from sailing to the Gaza Strip has prompted some organizers to rethink the flotilla movement that for years challenged Israel’s blockade of the coastal enclave. But US activists remained upbeat Friday as they discussed alternative ways to get to Gaza. The activists…. Related: Greece says ban on ships for Gaza to protect activists and Captain of American boat jailed in Athens
Greece says ban on ships for Gaza to protect activists
7/2/2011 – ATHENS, Greece (AFP) — Greece said it acted to protect pro-Palestinian activists when it banned all Gaza-bound ships from leaving the country’s ports for a second day Saturday. The Civil Protection Authority confirmed the ban on departures of ships “with Greek and foreign flags from Greek ports to the maritime area of Gaza” was…. Related: Captain of American boat jailed in Athens
7th annual Palestine Day to be held in London, Manchester
7/2/2011 – LONDON (Ma’an) — The Palestinian Forum in Great Britain has confirmed that the seventh annual Palestine Day will be held as scheduled on July 2 in London and July 3 in Manchester, despite last week’s detention of Sheikh Raed Salah , the head of an Islamic movement in Israel. Zahir Al-Birawi, media and….
PA shuts down Hizb Ut-Tahrir rallies
7/2/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Pacifist Islamist group Hizb Ut-Tahrir on Saturday said Palestinian Authority security forces shut down mass rallies across the West Bank. Hizb Ut-Tahrir organized rallies in six cities to mark the 90th anniversary of the fall of the last caliphate. The party, which promotes the re-establishment of an Islamic Caliphate in the….
Fatah becomes member of Socialist International
7/2/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Palestinian political party Fatah was granted full membership to the Socialist International on Friday, according to the movement’s international relations commission in Ramallah. The accreditation was granted during the organization’s recent summit in Athens, Greece. The Fatah delegation to the summit was headed by Nabil Shaath, the…. Related: Leftist group says Fatah stalling national unity
Leftist group says Fatah stalling national unity
7/2/2011 – GAZA CITY (Ma’an) — The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – General Command on Saturday accused Fatah of stalling a unity deal by delaying a key meeting in Cairo in June. The PFLP spinoff said Fatah leader President Mahmoud Abbas was responsible for postponing a meeting with Hamas chief Khalid Mashaal to finalize…. Related: Fatah becomes member of Socialist International
PA forces disperse Hizb ut-Tahrir rally in Ramallah
7/2/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Palestinian Authority security forces dispersed a demonstration organized by the Islamist movement Hizb ut-Tahrir in the West Bank city of Ramallah, officials said Saturday….
Fatah ‘committed’ to reconciliation
7/2/2011 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Fatah is committed to implementing its reconciliation agreement with Hamas, party spokesman Fayez Abu Eitah said Saturday. Abu Eitah said consultations between Fatah, Hamas and regional parties were ongoing to overcome obstacles to the unity agreement, signed in Cairo on May 4.”Fatah is studying the best ways to implement the….
Fires destroy 200 olive trees in West Bank cities
7/2/2011 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Civil defense crews from several districts in the West Bank were able to control and suppress fires that broke out in the West Bank Thursday morning. Fires destroyed over 200 olive trees and damaged wheat fields in the villages of Al-Yamoun and Al-Arafa in Jenin, Irtah in Tulkarem, the villages of….
New Arab League chief to be sworn in Sunday
7/2/2011 – CAIRO (Ma’an) — Nabil Al-Arabi will be sworn in as Arab League secretary-general on Sunday, the Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram reported. Al-Arabi will replace Amr Moussa, who held the position for 10 years. Moussa announced that he would resign from the 22-member Cairo-based body in February, hours after former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak quit….
Gadhafi threatens Europe if NATO presses air war
7/2/2011 – TRIPOLI, Libya (AFP) — Libyan leader Moamer Gadhafi threatened retaliation against Europe unless NATO ceases its operations, warning loyalist forces can launch stinging attacks like “locusts and bees.” “The Libyan people are capable, one day, of taking the battle to Europe and the Mediterranean,” Gadhafi said in a speech broadcast by loudspeaker to thousands of loyalists….
28 killed in Syria as army tanks shell villages
7/2/2011 – DAMASCUS (AFP) — Syrian forces killed 28 civilians Friday on a day of massive anti-regime rallies in the country, human rights activists said. State television meanwhile reported that President Bashar al-Assad sacked the governor of Hama, a day after half a million protesters flooded the central city demanding the departure of their embattled leader. Most of….
Jordan premier reshuffles cabinet
7/2/2011 – AMMAN (AFP) — Jordanian Prime Minister Maaruf Bakhit reshuffled his cabinet on Saturday as the country faces protests denouncing corruption and demanding general reforms. King Abdullah II issued a decree approving the first reshuffle of the cabinet, which was formed in February, bringing in nine newcomers, and changing the portfolios of two ministers. Mazen Saket, who….
Egypt protesters pursue Tahrir sit-in
7/2/2011 – CAIRO (AFP) — Around 200 protesters remained on Tahrir Square on Saturday, a day after a rally to demand justice for families of the victims who died in the Jan. 25 uprising. Tents were pitched in the middle of the square — the epicenter of protests that toppled President Hosni Mubarak in February — to show that some….
Morocco’s Constitutional Face Lift
Palestine Note 1 Jul 2011 – Hisham Almiraat, Foreign Policy – On Friday June 17, after four months of street protests, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI gave a speech outlining a constitutional amendment which would complete “the construction of a state based on the rule of law…
Economy starts to rebound in long-stagnant Gaza
Palestine Note 1 Jul 2011 – The National- If pro-Palestinian activists unexpectedly manage to slip past Israel’s naval blockade on the Gaza Strip in the coming days, they might be surprised by what they see in the Hamas-controlled enclave when they disembark. Roads are being paved,…
Israel limits Al Aqsa Friday prayer access
Palestine Note 1 Jul 2011 – Al Arabiya- Israeli police on Friday limited access to the Al-Aqua and Dome of the Rock mosques in Jerusalem as a precautionary measure a day after clashes in east Jerusalem, a spokeswoman said. “This Friday we are preventing access to…
Dutch government rejects Palestinian initiative seeking UN recognition of Palestinian state
Palestine Note 1 Jul 2011 – The Washington Post- The Dutch government rejected a Palestinian initiative Thursday to seek U.N. recognition of a Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with Foreign Minister Uri Rosenthal to seek…
Death in the West Bank: the story of an ‘honour’ killing
Palestine Note 1 Jul 2011 – The Guardian- As Ibrahim Baradiya recounts the events surrounding the last moments of his daughter’s life at the bottom of a dark well, the agony of grief is drawn across the face of his wife, Fatima. She says almost nothing….
Moroccans Vote on Reforms
Palestine Note 1 Jul 2011 – Max Fisher: Will Morocco Be the Arab Spring’s Great Success‚ÄîOr Great Failure? Max Fisher, The Atlantic – Morocco, they say, is different. When post-World WarII independence movements across North Africa were toppling European-imposed monarchies, Morocco’s independence party declared its allegiance…
Greece arrests captain of US Gaza-bound boat
AlJazeera 2 Jul 2011 – Officers detain captain of US ship bound for Gaza over ship’s “seaworthiness” and for jeopardising passengers’ safety.
Syrian state TV says Hama governor sacked
AlJazeera 2 Jul 2011 – President Assad’s reported move follows massive anti-government demonstrations in the flashpoint province.
Soldiers killed in Yemen clashes
AlJazeera 2 Jul 2011 – At least four dead in fighting between opposition tribesmen and security forces in second largest city.
Serbia and Kosovo sign deals
AlJazeera 2 Jul 2011 – Accords were the first between them since Pristina declared independence three years ago.
Greece to receive $17.4bn in EU funds
AlJazeera 2 Jul 2011 – Debt-hit country to get next $17.4 billion tranche of existing aid package, with additional funds in the pipeline.
Clinton calls on Gaddafi to step down
AlJazeera 2 Jul 2011 – Libyan leader should stop issuing threats against Europe and should quit instead, US secretary of state says.
Nasrallah implies Israel behind Hariri murder
AlJazeera 2 Jul 2011 – Hezbollah leader says UN tribunal investigating death of former Lebanese PM should be asking questions of Israel.
Bahrain national dialogue begins
AlJazeera 2 Jul 2011 – Largest Shia opposition group al-Wefaq agrees to participate in government-initiated “national dialogue” starting today.
Jack al-Tawiel; Palestinian -French long Devoted for the Cause
PNN – PNN/Exclusive/By Munjed Jado- Editor in Chief – There are many things that struck me during my visit to the French province of Aeser, specifically the city of Grenoble, the cradle of the…
Audacity of Hope to PNN: The Greek Navy is Holding Our Ship Near Athens
PNN – PNN Exclusive/By Ghassan Bannoura — Jane Hirschmann, one of the American boat Audacity of Hope organizers, taking part on Freedom Flotilla Two to Gaza told PNN on Saturday that the Greek Navy…
Israeli activists protest in front of Greek embassy in Tel Aviv
PNN – Tel Aviv — PNN — On Saturday Israeli leftists are planning to conduct a protest in front of the Greek embassy in Tel Aviv in demonstration against the Greek navy ban on…
PNN poll: Majority of Palestinians Support Leadership Bid to Recognise Palestinian State at UN
PNN – Bethlehem — PNN Exclusive — An online poll conducted by PNN showed on Saturday that the majority of Palestinians support the Palestinian leadership decision to go to the United Nations, and therefore…
Violent incitement against internationals in Sheikh Jarrah
7/2/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – International Solidarity Movement – Two international activists were assaulted by 4 Israeli police officers in an unprovoked attack in Sheikh Jarrah this morning. The two Danish activists were part of a group of five internationals staying at a home which has been partially occupied by settlers. With the support of the Israeli military in an ongoing….
Children rally for Flotilla in Gaza port
7/2/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – International Solidarity Movement, Gaza – Dozens of children from the Beit Hanoun Local Initiative’s summer camp, “Vittorio Arrigoni – Stay Human,” rallied in the port of Gaza today to support Freedom Flotilla – Stay Human, and demand free passage and international protection for it. They were joined by Palestinian and international supporters, including the International Solidarity….
Iraq Burin continues to resist
7/2/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – International Solidarity Movement – Today in Iraq Burin, a small village close to the West Bank city of Nablus, one international peace activist was arrested while accompanying local villagers, including children, during their weekly demonstration against the illegal Israeli settlement of Bracha. During a violent and disproportionate assault, local villagers and international activists were forced to….
Demand Greece allow the Flotilla to sail!
7/2/2011 – International Solidarity Movement – Free Gaza Movement – Following the intense pressure from the United States and Israeli governments, Greece has announced that they will prevent the sailing of Freedom Flotilla II — Stay Human boats to Gaza. Israel has exported the blockade of Gaza to Greece and the Greek government must be reminded that the people of the world…. Related: Free Gaza Movement
Greece says ban on ships for Gaza to protect activists
Relief Web 2 Jul 2011 – Source: Agence France-Presse Country: occupied Palestinian territory ATHENS ‚Äî Greece said it acted to protect pro-Palestinian activists when it banned all Gaza-bound ships from leaving its ports for a second day Saturday. The outraged activists meanwhile, seemed divided over how…
Ashkelon prisoners continue hunger strike
2 Jul 2011 – West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)-Ashkelon prisoners continued their hunger strike for the second day in a row protesting Israeli harsh measures and practices inside the jails.
Greek coastguard intercepts 2 Gaza aid ships
2 Jul 2011 – Gaza Strip, (Pal Telegraph)-The Greek coast guard intercepted yesterday two ships of the Freedom Flotilla 2, which insisted to sail to Gaza Strip despite efforts by the Greek authorities to prevent their departure.
Israel hurts 7 Palestinians in Qalqilya
2 Jul 2011 – West Bank, (Pal Telegraph)-Seven Palestinians were injured yesterday as Israeli forces attacked a nonviolent rally held by residents of Kafer Qadoom village in the north of Qalqilya, demanding the opening of the eastern entrance of the village since the beginning of Al-Aqsa Intifada.
Intrigue over Lebanon’s special tribunal
The National 2 Jul 2011 – Conspiracy theories expected at Special Tribunal for Lebanon over 2005 assassination of former prime minister Rafiq Hariri
Yemeni soldiers defecting, says official
The National 2 Jul 2011 – Military denies claims that defecting soldiers are being arrested to join the anti-regime movement.
Palestinian settlement slated for development
The National 2 Jul 2011 –
“Healing process” is aim of Bahrain dialogue
The National 2 Jul 2011 – Discussions start in Bahrain’s national dialogue to generate ideas for change, says chairman.
Moroccan constitution gets nod in vote
The National 2 Jul 2011 – Moroccan government says voter turnout for the new constitution was more than 73 per cent, while activists say accounts from polling stations suggest it was less.
Bahrain reconciliation talks start amid crackdown
The National 1 Jul 2011 – Dialogue begins after four months of protests with the biggest Shiite party, Al Wefaq, deciding to take part at the last minute.
Leftist Greek MPs accuse government of caving to Israeli pressure to stop Gaza flotilla
Ha’aretz – Greek government says preventing departure of vessels from ports to avoid a ‘humanitarian disaster’ which would result from violent confrontation with Israeli navy.
Endless delays and fading hope while waiting to sail to Gaza
Ha’aretz – Activists scramble to meet Greek authorities’ criteria to set sail toward Gaza despite meticulous planning.
Avenging Nehariya policeman Eldad Hadad shot
Ha’aretz – Hadad, one of the policemen released from prison earlier this year after serving time for avenging known criminal shot outside his synagogue; Police have arrested 28-year-old suspect from Nahariya.
Tel Aviv area transportation overhaul to get first real test on Sunday
Ha’aretz – Hundreds of thousands of passengers in greater Tel Aviv area must adjust to new routes, while other lines have been canceled.
French Socialists ponder Strauss-Kahn’s political future
Ha’aretz – A stunning turnaround in Dominique Strauss-Kahn saga sees former IMF chief released from house arrest, raising grave doubts about his accuser’s character.
OECD report finds Israel as top country for venture capital investment
Ha’aretz – While Israel ranks poorly in terms of bureaucratic obstacles, venture capital is relatively easy to obtain here, found the report on entrepreneurship drafted by the economic organization.
Israeli violinist shares top award at international music competition
Ha’aretz – Israeli violinist Itamar Zorman ties for second place at International Tchaikovsky Competition, with no one taking first despite competition rules.
Hezbollah’s Nasrallah: Hariri tribunal dominated by U.S., Israel
Ha’aretz – Hassan Nasrallah calls Hezbollah members indicted in killing of former Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri as ‘brothers’ with an ‘honorable history’; says authorities won’t be able to arrest them.
Gaza flotilla aims to set sail from Greece next week
Ha’aretz – Flotilla organizers say ships will depart for Gaza on Monday despite arrest of the American captain of one of the vessels.
Middle East Quartet: Additional Gaza flotillas should be discouraged
Ha’aretz – Quartet of Middle East peace negotiators says it is concerned, however, with ‘unsustainable conditions’ in Gaza; calls for an end to ‘deplorable’ detention of Gilad Shalit.
Greece arrests captain of U.S. ship in Gaza flotilla
Ha’aretz – 60-year-old captain of ‘Audacity of Hope’ ship being detained until court hearing on Tuesday; Israel rejects allegations it sabotaged flotilla ships.
Abbas: U.S. should not have veto power over Middle East Quartet decisions
Ha’aretz – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says dispute with Hamas over formation of unity government hinders bid for statehood at UN in September.
Tel Aviv residents hit the frontline in the annual summer Water War
Ha’aretz – Women, the elderly, families, teens and mainly children get drenched from head to toe in water from the Rabin Square fountain.
Strauss-Kahn leaves Manhattan house, destination unknown
Ha’aretz – Former IMF chief departs with wife from rented New York City townhouse a day after a judge lifted his house arrest on attempted rape charges.
Iran denies mistreating detained U.S. hikers
Ha’aretz – Iran’s UN mission issues statement saying that Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer have had consular contact and a visit from their families.
Iran: UN sanctions can’t slow missile advancements
Ha’aretz – Iranian defense minister’s comments come amid ten days of war games; Iran recently unveiled underground silos that can carry missiles capable of hitting Israel and U.S. bases in the Gulf.
At Agrexco, dancing on the Titanic’s deck
Ha’aretz – At the start of the last decade, 75 privately-owned companies received permits to export vegetables, and Agrexco suddenly found itself facing competition, after decades of being a government-enforced monopoly.
Amid uncertainties over Egyptian gas supply / Electricity rates may increase only for summer
Ha’aretz – The authority is planning to raise electricity prices by 20% due in part to the lack of Egyptian gas, which has forced the Israel Electric Corporation to resort to more expensive fuels.
Discounts won’t cover most milk products
Ha’aretz – The price of cottage cheese is to remain reduced, but other dairy product prices will not.
Israel rejects allegations it sabotaged Gaza flotilla ships
Ha’aretz – FM spokesman calls charges of sabotage ‘ridiculous’; Turkish police investigation finds that damage to Irish ship was most likely not caused intentionally.
Report: Turkey probe reveals Irish ship in Gaza flotilla not sabotaged
Ha’aretz – Flotilla organizers claim that the Irish ship was intentionally sabotaged while it was docked in Turkey, a claim which the Turkish police investigation casts doubt on.
Hamas slams Greece for blocking departure of Gaza-bound flotilla
Ha’aretz – AFP quotes Hamas accusing Greece of playing into Israel’s hands, after Greek government issues statement prohibiting departure of all ships bound for maritime area of Gaza.
Netanyahu’s big fat Greek Wedding
Ha’aretz – Netanyahu has invested in his relationship with Greece over the course of the past year-and-a-half, and his gamble has finally paid off as Greece blocks Gaza-flotilla-bound departures from its ports.
Gush Dan bus passengers urged to allow for extra time
Jerusalem Post 3 Jul 2011 – Transportation Ministry reforms of bus lines in TA-area gets its first real rush hour test; fares increased, lines canceled, transfers allowed.
New Worlds: ‘Aha’ moments can last forever
Jerusalem Post 2 Jul 2011 – Why do the things we learn through sudden insight stick? “Much memory research involves rote learning,” Weizman research student says.
Out of their ivory towers
Jerusalem Post 2 Jul 2011 – Scientists are increasingly coming to realize that their work needs to be explained to the average citizen.
New ambassador to UN in eye of diplomatic maelstrom
Jerusalem Post 2 Jul 2011 – Ron Prosor faces double challenge of dealing with Durban III conference, Palestinian statehood bid in September.
Analysis: Why is the Bundestag courting Iran?
Jerusalem Post 2 Jul 2011 – German-Israeli relations are strained as MKs discover the depth of German-Iranian ties during a visit to Berlin last week.
PA security forces accused of assaulting radical group
Jerusalem Post 2 Jul 2011 – Dozens of supporters of pan-Islamic Hizb ut-Tahrir (Party of Liberation) are rounded up, accuse security forces of creating “fortresses.”
Palestinian efforts for sovereignty not limited to the UN
Jerusalem Post 2 Jul 2011 – Analysis: While Israel focuses on preventing a UN statehood resolution, Palestinians are discussing other options to achieve independence.
Police arrest suspect in Nahariya shooting of ex-cop
Jerusalem Post 2 Jul 2011 – A “number of shots” fired at former police detective near synagogue in which he prayed; Hadad one of 4 officers to serve time for targeting home of organized crime chief, Michael Mor.
Bowing to pressure, Assad sacks Hama governor
Jerusalem Post 2 Jul 2011 – 24 killed in Friday protests; United States denies report circulating of “reform road map” that would keep regime in power.
The plight of the rhino in South Africa
Jerusalem Post 2 Jul 2011 – Thousands of years ago rhinos also roamed Europe and are depicted in the Lascaux cave paintings as well as on mosaics from the Roman Empire.
TA: Left-wingers protest Greek ban on Gaza-bound ships
Jerusalem Post 2 Jul 2011 – Gallery: Dozens shout slogans during demonstration outside Greek embassy in Tel Aviv; right-wing protesters support Greek decision.
My Word: Law and disorder
Jerusalem Post 2 Jul 2011 – Had Rabbi Lior gone to the police station to explain that rabbinic endorsements of books are common, the public humiliation would not have taken place.
Hezbollah: A contract killer
Jerusalem Post 2 Jul 2011 – Now that the tribunal implicated Hezbollah in the Hariri assassination, Nasrallah is bound to receive a mark of Cain for undermining Lebanese national interests.
Activist: Gaza flotilla aims to leave Greece next week
Jerusalem Post 2 Jul 2011 – Despite number of setbacks, flotilla organizer tells ‘Post’ that group still plans to sail to Gaza, “sabotaged” ships to be repaired.
Cottage cheese victory is only the first step
Jerusalem Post 2 Jul 2011 – Locally produced goods sell for less overseas than they do at home, owing perhaps to the presupposition that docile Israeli consumers will pay anything.
Out There: Trading places
Jerusalem Post 2 Jul 2011 – Last week, I watched with a mixture of incredulity and bemusement as my oldest son got ready for his first ‘miluim’ stint.
Nahariya: Ex-Officer who targeted mob kingpin shot, injured
Jerusalem Post 2 Jul 2011 – Police say “number of shots” fired at Eldad Hadad near synagogue in which he prayed; Hadad one of 4 officers to serve time for targeting home of organized crime chief, Michael Mor.
Nasrallah implies Israel behind Hariri hit
Jerusalem Post 2 Jul 2011 – Hezbollah chief speaks calls 4 Hezbollah members charged with assassination of former Lebanese prime minister “brothers.”
Abbas: World not united in support of Palestinian UN bid
Jerusalem Post 2 Jul 2011 – PA president acknowledges int’l pressure to abandon UN statehood effort; calls on Quartet members to endorse “clear and balanced” stance.
Gaddafi threatens Europe, Clinton calls for him to quit
Jerusalem Post 2 Jul 2011 – Clinton: “Instead of issuing threats, Gaddafi should put the well-being and the interests of his own people first and he should step down.”
‘Maid in Strauss-Kahn case was working as prostitute’
Jerusalem Post 2 Jul 2011 – Housekeeper accusing former IMF chief of rape received “extraordinary tips” from male clients, source tells ‘New York Post.’
Assad sacks Hama governor after deadly protests
Jerusalem Post 2 Jul 2011 – Syrian president gives no reason for dismissing Hama province mayor Abdulaziz day after thousands protest for Assad to step down.
A Libyan armageddon
Jerusalem Post 1 Jul 2011 – Rebels are glad for their gains, but feel frustrated over what they see as tepid Western military backing for their goal of toppling Gaddafi.
Deferentially progressive
Jerusalem Post 1 Jul 2011 – Adina Bar-Shalom, eldest daughter of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, defies stereotypes yet insists he is not bringing change to the Haredi world.
Gaza flotilla prevented from leaving Greek port
The Guardian 2 Jul 2011 – Campaigners accuse Israel of ‘outsourcing’ its blockade as Greek coastguard stops flotilla sailing from Athens Greece has banned all ships in the Gaza-bound “freedom flotilla” from leaving port, dealing a further blow to activists trying to…
MIDEAST: Gaza Flotilla Move Sinks
IPS The besieger is besieged, such is the forlorn fact emanating from the order by Greece to block the ships docked at its ports from setting sail to the Palestinian strip of land, and that fact seems to have sealed the Flotilla’s fate.
MIDEAST: Israel Denies Healthcare to Refugees
IPS Medication and pillboxes fill two white bookcases, lining the wall behind a volunteer Israeli doctor. He talks to a patient in Hebrew about the man’s medical condition, as another man is examined behind a curtain that divides the small office. In the next room, at least 40 people — mainly…
Targeting Professor Terri Ginsberg’s Academic and Speech Freedoms
Uruknet July 2, 2011 – Post-9/11, anyone challenging America’s war on terrorism faces possible recrimination, especially vulnerable Muslims, targeted for political advantage to incite fear to justify war. Moreover, anyone critical of Israel leaves them vulnerable to vilification, intimidation and persecution. Even university professors are targeted, including distinguished tenured ones – censured, suspended and/or fired unjustly….
Pack Journalism Anti-Gaddafi Propaganda
Uruknet July 2, 2011 ….In April, however, Washington’s UN ambassador Susan Rice told Security Council members in a closed door meeting the same thing, saying it’s to encourage mass rape with no corroborating evidence whatever to prove it. She lied, based on assessments from other human rights organizations, including Amnesty International (AI), saying its investigation found no evidence that…
Exiled Guant?°namo Uighurs in Hamburg Art Exhibition
Uruknet July 2, 2011 – I’ve been interested in the work of the German artist Christoph Faulhaber since 2009, when I first heard about a project he had initiated in Hamburg. Entitled, “Guant?°namo Allocation Center,” it involved creating a site for a proposed relocation center for Guant?°namo prisoners who cannot be repatriated because they face the risk of torture…
U.S. Boat to Gaza Seized by Greek Authorities and Captain Jailed Passengers Determined to Free Captain and Set Sail Again
Uruknet July 2, 2011 – After a two hour stand off at sea, the U.S. Boat to Gaza – The Audacity of Hope – was seized by the Greek Coast Guard and forced to return to the port of Piraeus under military escort. The boat’s captain has been put in jail, charged with disturbing sea traffic-which includes endangering the…
France arms anti-Gaddafi forces
Uruknet July 2, 2011 – France this week acknowledged that it had supplied weapons to oppositionists fighting Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s forces in Libya. Le Figaro said that the consignment consisted of “rocket launchers, assault rifles, machine guns, and anti-tank missiles.” The weapons were dropped by parachute to opposition fighters-mainly Berbers-in the Nafusa Mountains, western Libya on the border with…
Pro-Justice activists condemn the detention of Sheikh Raed Salah
Uruknet July 1, 2011 – Human rights campaigners and community leaders have condemned the late-night arrest of Sheikh Raed Salah by the UK Border Agency on 28th June. Sh. Raed is the leader of the Islamic Movement in Israel and he is in Britain for a speaking tour which was to include meetings with parliamentarians, academics and public meetings…
Haaretz Claims Greek Bailout Used by Netanyahu to Block Gaza Flotilla
Uruknet July 2, 2011 – Haaretz is trumpeting that Netanyahu was able to use his support for the Greek bailout to block the Gaza flotilla. I don’t buy that Netanyahu had that much influence on the bailout, or could persuade Papandreou that he had. But the actions of the Greek government are disgraceful, and unlawful in preventing ships from…
British activists on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla demand that David Cameron guarantee their safe passage
Uruknet July 2, 2011 – On Monday the 4th of July at 11:00 am activists from Free Gaza will go to the gates of 10 Downing St. with a request to see the Prime Minister. They will deliver a letter from British activists on the Freedom Flotilla to Gaza. British citizens preparing to set sail on the Gaza Freedom…
Bahrain begins national dialogue after upheaval
Uruknet June 2, 2011 – Talks between Bahrain’s opposition and pro-government groups began on Saturday, aimed at healing deep rifts opened when the state’s Sunni rulers crushed protests led by the majority Shi’ites earlier this year. The opposition has expressed doubts about whether the national dialogue, decreed by King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, can accomplish anything, noting that it…
Assad sacks Hama governor, as Syria death toll mounts
Uruknet July 2, 2011 – Syrian President Bashar al-Assad sacked the governor of Hama on Saturday, a day after half a million rallied against the regime in the hotbed city, and as activists said the crackdown on dissent claimed 28 new lives. Anti-regime dissent billowed on Friday in response to a call by a Facebook group for massive protests…
Captain of US boat jailed in Athens
Uruknet July 2, 2011 – The captain of a US boat carrying activists who tried to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza was jailed Saturday in Athens, organizers of the flotilla said. John Klusmer is being charged with two felonies, organizers of the boat told reporters at a news conference in the Greek capital. The investigation will begin Tuesday,…
Iraq snapshot – July 1, 2011
Uruknet July 1, 2011. Chaos and violence continue, protests continue in Baghdad, the US government continues to target an Iraq War veteran, Iraq scores poorly on the State Dept’s report of human trafficking, and more….Today protests continued in Iraq. This was “Grandchildren of the 1920 Rebels” — a not to the Iraq Revolution of 1920 in which the Iraqis…
Separation Barrier moved, but some 1,300 dunams of Bil’in land remain on other side
Uruknet July 1, 2011 – In the past week, almost four years after the Israeli High Court order on the matter, the army dismantled the section of the Separation Barrier built on land of the Bil’in village within the West Bank. The route of the barrier has been moved westward, with a new section already in place, thereby returning…
Military Resistance 9G 1: The Deadliest In Three Years
Uruknet July 1, 2011 – Three US soldiers were killed in action in southern Iraq on Wednesday,the military said, making June the deadliest month for American soldiers here in threeyears.”Three US service members were killed Wednesday in southern Iraq,” the US militarysaid in a statement on Thursday.”We can confirm that the soldiers were killed in a hostile event,” a…
Military Resistance 9G Issue: 1 The Deadliest In Three Years
Uruknet
Iran state TV censors Ahmadinejad video clip
Uruknet July 1, 2011 – Iran’s state television has censored a video clip that showed President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad condemning recent arrests of his close allies.Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), which is under the direct control of the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, transmitted only an edited version of the remarks made by Ahmadinejad after a cabinet meeting on…
24 Killed as Huge Protests Grip Syria
Uruknet July 1, 2011 – Friday protests in Syria get bigger every week. This was true again this week, where hundreds of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets nationwide, including reports of as many as 400,000 marching in the city of Hama alone. Protests in the city of Hama were of a decidedly different attitude than elsewhere in…
People Power is Stronger than any Occupation
Uruknet July 1, 2011 – It struck me the other day just how mind-blowing people power really is. In Palestine, people have the opportunity each and every day to prove this in the face of Israel’s unrelenting measures of occupation. On one of the many days I had to stand among dozens of others waiting to cross the Qalandiya…
VIDEO – TRIPOLI: GADAFFI SPEECH TO MASS RALLY
Uruknet July 1, 2011 – They are not here because i ordered them to, it is they are free will. In this war you are not facing me you are facing these crowds. I am nothing, if you want peace with Libyans, it is up to the crowds. If you want any thing , negotiate with the crowds. The regime…
Syrian Revolutionary Council Statement in condemnation of Britain’s detention of Sheikh Raed Salah
Uruknet July 1, 2011 – The Syrian Revolutionary Council in Daraa denounces the decision by the British Authorities to arrest the freedom campaigner Raed Salah; Sheikh of al-Aqsa and the Lion of Palestine, with the utmost fury. We strongly condemn the British-Israeli collusion in waging war on the symbols of resistance and the defenders of the legitimate rights of…
Debating the Future of the Arab Revolutions in Cairo: Democracy, Imperialism and Neoliberalism
Uruknet July 1, 2011 – Egyptian, Arab and international socialists and progressive forces met in Cairo 3-5 June, to discuss the future of the Arab revolutions in light of imperialism, Zionism and global capitalism. TheForum in Solidarity with the Arab Revolutions was organized by a number of progressive groups in Egypt and represented the first attempt to revive the…
The Battle Over the Gaza Flotilla
Uruknet July 1, 2011 – On Thursday, the passengers of the Audacity of Hope, the US boat in the “Freedom Flotilla 2” to Gaza-a convoy of ten boats, two cargo ships and some 300 civilians-emerged from their hotel on the edge of an Athens turned upside down. The air was heavy from the stench of garbage and tear gas,…
The Invasion of Australia – Official, At Last
Uruknet July 1, 2011 — The City of Sydney has voted to replace the words “European arrival” in the official record with “invasion”. The deputy lord mayor, Marcelle Hoff, says it is intellectually dishonest to use any other word in describing how Aboriginal Australia was dispossessed by the British. “We were invaded,” said Paul Morris, an Aboriginal adviser to…
UK deportation order against Palestinian leader to be appealed
Uruknet July 1, 2011 – After a furor in the British press, a political leader of Palestinian citizens in Israel remains in a British jail tonight. Authorities cut his speaking tour short by arresting him this week. Sheikh Raed Salah said from prison that he “will not yield voluntarily to the deportation” and that his lawyers will challenge it…
New Peace Flotilla to Gaza: A Voyage of Audacious Hope
Uruknet July 1, 2011 – …My motivation to take part in this voyage grows out of my background. I come from southern Arizona, in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. My mother was born in Ciudad Obregon, Sonora (Mexico); my Tata (or grandfather) was half Yaqui Indian. I am also Jewish. These identities-all of which I embrace-and the histories of atrocities, pain,…
Torture crimes officially, permanently shielded
Uruknet July 1, 2011 – …Over 100 detainees died during U.S. interrogations, dozens due directly to interrogation abuse. Gen. Barry McCaffrey said: “We tortured people unmercifully. We probably murdered dozens of them during the course of that, both the armed forces and the C.I.A.” Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba, who oversaw the official investigation into detainee abuse, wrote: “there is…
US Senate “acts like a staff member of the Israeli government”
Uruknet July 1, 2011 – A senior member of the Palestine Liberation Organisation has said that the US Senate acts as if it is a “staff member of the Israeli government”. Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the Executive Committee and Chairperson of the Department of Culture and Information in the PLO also rejected the Senate’s resolution no. 185 which…
Nasrallah blasts STL, rejects arrest warrants
Daily Star 2 Jul 2011 Hezbollah’s chief said Saturday four members of his group indicted by the U.N. court probing the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri were unjustly accused.
Suspects will not be arrested, tried in absentia, Nasrallah
Daily Star 2 Jul 2011 Suspects will not be arrested, tried in absentia, Nasrallah
Indictment will not cause sectarian strife: Nasrallah
Daily Star 2 Jul 2011 Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah said that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon indictments against four Lebanese suspects would not cause any sectarian strife in Lebanon.
STL head Cassese has strong ties with Israel, says Nasrallah
Daily Star 2 Jul 2011 Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah said Saturday that the president of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Antonio Cassese, has strong ties with Israel.
Bellemare team have links to Western intelligence agencies
Daily Star 2 Jul 2011 Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah said that Special Tribunal for Lebanon Daniel Bellemare’s team of consultants and investigators have ties to Western intelligence agencies.
CIA agent part of STL team of investigators, says Nasrallah
Daily Star 2 Jul 2011 CIA agent part of STL team of investigators, says Nasrallah
Nasrallah: STL computers went through Israel
Daily Star 2 Jul 2011 Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah claimed Saturday that computers belonging to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon investigation team had been sent to Israel.
Indictment of 4 Lebanese unjust: Hezbollah chief
Daily Star 2 Jul 2011 BEIRUT: Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah said Saturday that four Lebanse indicted in the probe investigating the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri have been unjustly accused.
Parliament to debate ministerial policy statement next week
Daily Star 1 Jul 2011 Speaker Nabih Berri called on Parliament Friday to meet next week to debate Cabinet’s policy statement ahead of a vote of confidence, the state-run National News Agency reported.
First indictment just tip of iceberg
Daily Star 1 Jul 2011 The prosecutor of the U.N.-backed tribunal investigating the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri said Friday that additional indictments could be on the way…
Patriarch Rai: Don’t call Christians minorities
Daily Star 1 Jul 2011 The Maronite patriarch said Friday that he rejected references to Christians in Lebanon as minorities. Minorities do not exist. We are cells in the Lebanese body from which this [Lebanese social] fabric is formed, Patriarch Beshara…
Civil Defense, local residents fight fire in Akkar village
Daily Star 1 Jul 2011 Civil Defense personnel and local residents extinguished a fire that erupted in the village of Beino in Akkar Thursday evening.
Putting out fires: Spain renews its cooperation agreement
Daily Star 1 Jul 2011 Lebanon should continue to implement the agreement for fire control and prevention in cooperation with the Spanish government, Interior Minister Marwan Charbel said Thursday.
Elections, Palestinians, women not tackled well in new policy
Daily Star 1 Jul 2011 Several civil society groups reacted Friday to the publication of the Cabinet policy statement, and although some welcomed new initiatives, most called for more to be done in their fields.
PM’s office urged to oversee disabled committee
Daily Star 1 Jul 2011 A conference on the rights of the disabled in Lebanon recommended that the National Committee for the Disabled be placed under the authority of the prime minister’s office.
Summer camps no exception to rising prices
Daily Star 1 Jul 2011 With the prices of gasoline, clothing and food on their way up, it’s no surprise that the cost of sending kids to summer camp is also steadily rising.
Future bloc rules out confidence vote for Cabinet
Daily Star 1 Jul 2011 Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s Future parliamentary bloc launched a scathing verbal attack Friday on the government’s policy statement…
Former policeman shot in Nahariya
YNet News, 2 Jul 2011 – A former policeman was shot Saturday evening in Nahariya — two months after being released from prison, where he served a sentence for planting an explosive device under … ….
Nasrallah: Hariri probe is Israeli plot
YNet News, 2 Jul 2011 – Hezbollah’s leader said Saturday that the four men indicted in the killing of a former Lebanese prime minister are “honorable” members of his Shiite militant group, and … ….
Greece arrests Gaza-bound boat captain
YNet News, 2 Jul 2011 – Greek authorities have arrested the captain of a boat that was to be part of a Gaza-bound flotilla trying to deliver humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory, … ….
Abbas asks US to accept Quartet decision
YNet News, 2 Jul 2011 – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas asked the US on Saturday to refrain from vetoing a decision by the other members of the Mideast Quartet — the UN, Russia, and the EU — … ….
Australia: Anti-Israel protest at Max Brenner
YNet News, 2 Jul 2011 – An Israeli-owned chocolate shop in Australia became the scene for a pro-Palestinian protest Friday, the Herald Sun reported. Three police officers were injured and … ….
Gaza flotilla activists determined to set sail
YNet News, 2 Jul 2011 – Despite the mysterious sabotage, and Greece’s announcement that it will not allow ships to sail to the Gaza Strip from its ports, the flotilla activists are as determined … ….
Neo-Nazis undergo ‘fashion makeover’
YNet News, 2 Jul 2011 – Radical right-wing activists give up shaved heads, tattoos, military boots for….
Israel, Turkey to soften UN flotilla report?
YNet News, 2 Jul 2011 – Amid attempts to launch next Gaza flotilla, officials in Jerusalem, Ankara try….
Resheq: No new date for Hamas-Fatah meet
PIC – 02/07/2011 – 07:34 AM
Hamas calls Greek flotilla ban collusion in Gaza siege
PIC – 02/07/2011 – 07:42 AM
Jerusalemites wounded in clashes with settlers, policemen
PIC – 02/07/2011 – 10:10 AM
Organizers: Palestine Day to continue despite Salah arrest
PIC – 02/07/2011 – 09:06 AM
Israel municipality to erect thirty settler houses in E. Jerusalem
PIC – Israeli sources say the Jerusalem municipality is planning on erecting some thirty settler houses in the East Jerusalem district of Ras al-Amud.
European campaign: We are adamant on busting Gaza siege
PIC – The European campaign to end the siege on Gaza has expressed regret at the Greek ban on sail of Freedom Flotilla 2 aid convoy to Gaza, charging that Athens had bowed to Israeli threats and blackmail.
Hamas: Israel’s escalation will only solidify our prisoner exchange conditions
PIC – Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri has said Israel’s recent escalation against the Palestinian prisoners will only increase his movement’s firmness on the conditions it set on a prisoner exchange deal.
6,300 Palestinian prisoners to go on hunger strike on Sunday
PIC – The ministry of prisoners in Gaza said that around 6,300 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli occupation jails would go on hunger strike on Sunday as a warning protest step against repressive practices.
IOF soldiers declare Iraq Burin closed military zone
PIC – Israeli occupation forces (IOF) imposed hermetic closure on the village of Iraq Burin, south of Nablus, on Saturday and declared it a closed military zone.
Ministry of prisoners holds IPS responsible for the life of Salhiya
PIC – The ministry of prisoners in Gaza held the IPS fully responsible for the life of prisoner Haithem Salhiya who has entered his 13th day of hunger strike in the Ramon isolation jail.
Flotilla organizers to discuss alternatives should Greek ban persist
PIC – The international coalition to break the siege on Gaza will hold a consultative meeting on Sunday to discuss Greece’s position on the Freedom Flotilla II, a source from the coalition said Saturday.
IOF arrests farmers, workers, serves demolition notices
PIC – Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested three Palestinian farmers in Al-Khalil, dozens of workers in Haifa, and served demolition notices north of Sakhnin city on Saturday.
European organization says shocked at how Salah was arrested
PIC – The FIOE has condemned the UK’s arrest of Sheikh Raed Salah, the leader of the Islamic movement in 1948 occupied Palestine, on 28 June and expressed shock over the way the arrest was conducted.
Egypt must possess credible strategic deterrent against Israel
PIC – it is imperative that the largest Arab country must see to it that hundreds of millions of Egyptians and Arabs not remain at the mercy of Israel’s genocidal whims.
Abbas: Quartet Should Adopt Clear Terms of Reference for Negotiations
WAFA
ADC Calls on US to Stand for Rights of its Citizens Traveling to Gaza
WAFA
Palestinians Condemn Greek Ban on Gaza-Bound Flotilla
WAFA
Hizb ut-Tahrir says PA Security Harassing its Members
WAFA
Shaath: Fatah Full Membership in SI an Implicit Recognition of Palestinian State
WAFA
Newspapers Review: Greece and the Flotilla, US Document on Negotiations Top Dailies’ Headlines
WAFA
Weather Forecast: Fine Weather, Rise in Temperature
WAFA
Clinton Honours Lantos By Continuing The Israeli Guardian’s Legacy Of “Democracy Promotion”
Intifada-Palestine: 2 Jul 2011 – Written by Maidhc ?ì Cathail Hillary Clinton could hardly have given her lastest hypocritical pro-Arab Spring speech at a more appropriate venue. Attending the inauguration of a human rights institute in Budapest honouring the late Congressman Tom Lantos of California, the… more
Feeding the Brave Flotilla to Israel’s Slavering Attack-Dogs
Intifada-Palestine: 2 Jul 2011 – by Stuart Littlwood It doesn’t look good. Our oh-so-moral international community, always poking its democracy-loving nose into any trouble spot that might threaten western security (whatever that means) and always eager to mobilize its mighty weapons of war, is still reluctant… more
Taking Lead, Iraqis Hope U.S. Special Operations Commandos Stay
New York Times 2 Jul 2011 – Members of Iraq’s well-trained special operations force say that American troops must stay longer to continue training and advising.
Hezbollah Rejects Charges Over ’05 Killing of Hariri
New York Times 2 Jul 2011 – Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, vowed that four members of his group indicted in the assassination of Rafik Hariri, a former Lebanese prime minister, would never be arrested.
Syrian President Fires Governor in Charge of a Restive City
New York Times 2 Jul 2011 – The move seemed to be aimed at appeasing the protesters in Hama, where demonstrations have grown.
President’s Health Adds to Uncertainty in Yemen
New York Times 2 Jul 2011 – With President Ali Abdullah Saleh unlikely to return for months, his relatives are hanging onto power, prolonging a perilous stalemate.
Protests Spur Shuffle of Jordan Cabinet
New York Times 2 Jul 2011 – King Abdullah II is trying to placate a public that is growing increasingly angry over allegations of corruption in the government.
Talks Begin in Effort to Repair Bahrain Rift
New York Times 2 Jul 2011 – The opposition has expressed skepticism that the reconciliation talks can accomplish anything, noting that it has only 35 of the 300 seats at the bargaining table.
Chicago News Cooperative: Fighting the Syrian Regime From a Chicago Office
New York Times 2 Jul 2011 – Yaser Tabbara, a Chicago lawyer, was raised in Damascus and is fighting a one-man legal and diplomatic battle against the Syrian regime, partly from his office in the Loop.
Qaddafi Threatens Europe With Attacks
New York Times 2 Jul 2011 – In a defiant speech to supporters, Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi also seemed to leave open a door to negotiations.
CPT INTERNATIONAL: CPTer and CPT colleagues waiting on Canadian and U.S. boats to Gaza; Greece refuses to let Gaza flotilla sail
Christian Peacemaker Teams – Palestine –
Don’t lose heart. This struggle is a long one
Mondoweiss – Evidently, the Israelis and Americans (and the French and Germans?) have succeeded in pressuring the failing Greek government into preventing the flotilla from sailing. As Medea Benjamin pointed out earlier , this likely has a lot to do with Greece’s sovereign debt crisis. While many of us…
Impounded US boat to Gaza
Mondoweiss – link to twitter.com ‘—> The US Boat to Gaz a published the picture above of its impounded vessel today. I’m in a desperate mood today. Two tweets sum it up: From Saree Makdisi : So: armed struggle is out; international law is out; ICJ is out;UN is…
A despairing conversation with an Arab friend at the Four Seasons
Mondoweiss – Two days ago in New York’s Four Seasons hotel, I met a sophisticated friend from the Arabian peninsula whose identity I must disguise, and we had a grim conversation. He made a number of points: —The situation in Israel/Palestine is very bleak. There is no way…
This is the Freedom Ride of our era
Mondoweiss – I’m crying over this video. 193 hits, Let’s push it. It’s not over til the fat lady sings
Shorter Israeli consul-general: ‘I don’t know any details and have a great day’
Mondoweiss – From Democracy Now, an interview with the Israeli consul-genera l. I’ve cut out a lot of the talking points, and this is what you get: AMY GOODMAN : Is Greece working with the Israeli government in stopping the flotilla from taking off? IDO AHARONI : Look, I’m not…
Israel Announces Ten Year Ban on Hope
Tikun Olam – Bust of Bibi sculpted by Code Pink and destined for Greek Parthenon (UPI/Kevin Dietsch) Israel, which recently threatened to ban for ten years any foreign journalist joining the Gaza flotilla, has announced that it also plans to ban the following words and phrases for ten years:…
Michael Weiss Supports Banning Palestinian, But Not Israeli Jewish Racists
Tikun Olam – This is getting to be a habit. I seem to have gotten under Michael Weiss’ skin . He takes umbrage with a minor error in my blog post attacking his hysterical coverage of Sheikh Salah’s banning. I said that his Henry Jackson Society brought Doron Almog via…
Greek Commandos Hijack Audacity of Hope, Bankrupt Government Does Israel’s Bidding, Sabotages Hope
Tikun Olam – Greek coast guard hijacks Audacity of Hope earlier today (Yiorgos Karahalis/Reuters) The Greek government has now become a direct accomplice of the Israeli plan to sabotage the Gaza flotilla. When the Audacity of Hope set sail earlier today from its Greek port, a Coast Guard boat…
For Immediate Release: PSP and Popular Committee Member Brutally Beaten After Detention at Demonstration
Palestine Solidarity Project 2 Jul 2011 – Update: Yousef Abu Maria was released from the hospital but is still under observation for potential head injuries. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Issued by Beit Ommar Popular Committee and Palestine Solidarity Project Yousef Abu Maria beaten by Israeli Border Police While in Custody, Dumped on Road After…
Beit Ommar Popular Committee Member Brutally Beaten after Detention at Demonstration
Palestine Solidarity Project 2 Jul 2011 – After the weekly demonstration against the Karmei Tsur settlement today, July 2, 2011, a Palestinian protester was brutally beaten by Israeli Border Police. Yousef Abu Maria, a member of the Beit Ommar Popular Committee and Palestine Solidarity Project, was one of 60 Palestinian, Israeli and International…
U.S. Boat to Gaza Prevented from Sailing. Contact Greek Embassies in the U.S.!
Palestine Solidarity Project 1 Jul 2011 – Earlier this evening the U.S. Boat to Gaza, The Audacity of Hope, was prevented from sailing into the Mediterranean Sea by the Greek Coast Guard. PSP activist from Chicago Max “Jeff” Suchan sent the following message at 9:30pm Palestine time: As we tried to leave the…
Has the Islamic Movement leader become the UK’s first Palestinian political prisoner?
Middle East Monitor 2 Jul 2011 – Sheikh Raed Salah has been the target of a vicious and concerted smear campaign by the pro-Israel lobby in the UK and unfortunately our government has now weighed in to give legitimacy to the systematic persecution of Palestinians on British soil as well. Sheikh Raed is…
Press Release: Raed Salah’s Appeal Lodged
Middle East Monitor 2 Jul 2011 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Issued: Saturday 2 July 2011 On Friday 1st July Mr. Raed Salah was transferred from an Immigration Detention Centre to a formal prison. No good reason for this transfer has been given. The transfer to prison will significantly interfere with the preparation of…
Hezbollah reject Hariri warrants
BBC 2 Jul 2011 – Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah rejects indictments of four of its members by the UN-backed tribunal over the 2005 assassination of Lebanon’s former PM Rafiq Hariri.
Syria’s Assad sacks key governor
BBC 2 Jul 2011 – Syrian President Bashar al-Assad sacks the governor of the city of Hama, state TV says, after mass anti-government protests on Friday.
Greece arrests Gaza ship captain
BBC 2 Jul 2011 – The Greek authorities arrest the American captain of a boat that was due to carry activists and aid supplies to the Gaza Strip.
Clinton dismisses Gaddafi threats
BBC 2 Jul 2011 – The US secretary of state tells Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to quit, rather than issuing threats against Europe over the Nato campaign.
Articles
Sabotaging Freedom Flotilla II
Richard Falk, Al Jazeera7/2/2011
Two of the foreign ships experienced similar forms of sabotage, creating allegations of Israeli responsibility.
The reports that two of the foreign flagged ships planning to be part of the ten vessel Freedom Flotilla II experienced similar forms of disabling sabotage creates strong circumstantial evidence of Israeli responsibility.
It stretches the imagination to suppose that a sophisticated cutting of the propeller shafts of both ships is a coincidence with no involvement by Israel’s Mossad, long infamous for its overseas criminal acts in support of contested Israeli national interests. Recalling the lethal encounter in international waters with Freedom Flotilla I that took place on May 31, 2010 and the frantic diplomatic campaign by Tel Aviv to prevent this second challenge to the Gaza blockade by peace activists and humanitarian aid workers, such conduct by a state against this latest civil society initiative, if further validated by incriminating evidence, should be formally condemned as a form of ‘state terrorism’ or even as an act of war by a state against global civil society.
The Israeli Government has so far done little to deny its culpability. Its highest officials speak of the allegations in self-righteous language that is typically diversionary, asserting an irrelevant right of self-defense, which supposedly comes mysteriously into play whenever civil society acts nonviolently to break the siege of Gaza that has persisted for more than four years.
From the perspective of the obligations to uphold international law it is the Flotilla participants who are acting legally and morally, certainly well within their rights, and it is Israel and their friends that are resorting to a variety of legally and morally dubious tactics to insulate this cruel and unlawful blockade from what is essentially a symbolic challenge. more.. e-mail
PA reluctant about UN in September
Khaled Amayreh in Ramallah, Al-Ahram Weekly6/30/2011
While the Palestinian leadership is still committed to seeking UN recognition of a Palestinian state in September, Mahmoud Abbas says he is open to other “constructive proposals”.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) has decided “in principle” to ask the UN General Assembly to recognise a putative Palestinian state covering the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Following a meeting of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) Executive Committee in Ramallah on Sunday, 26 June, a statement read by committee secretary Yasser Abed Rabbo said the situation stemmed from the desire of the Palestinian people to achieve a just and comprehensive peace where the “state of Palestine” lives independently in peace and security with its neighbours.
However, the decision doesn’t seem to be absolute and irreversible. PA President Mahmoud Abbas said the Palestinian leadership might reconsider the decision if the international community offered the Palestinians a genuine guarantee that the Israeli occupation would end.
Abbas said the PA remained receptive to “any constructive proposals” pertaining to peace negotiations with Israel. However, the Palestinian leader pointed out that as of now there have been no such proposals, suggesting that the PA was going to the UN out of desperation and frustration at Israel’s intransigence, rejectionism and stonewalling.
This frustration was further voiced by Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad who said during a tour of the northern West Bank that, “either we achieve freedom from the Israeli occupation or we will demand instant Israeli citizenship, including the right to vote.” more.. e-mail
New paradigm in Palestine
Mahmoud Musa and Awni Sarrif, Al-Ahram Weekly6/30/2011
The only way forward is to go backwards — to the UN’s original plan — and then to the General Assembly to implement a new one.
All roads to a meaningful settlement of the Arab Israeli conflict are at a dead end. Nevertheless, should two states be established in historic Palestine, bloody conflict will persist. Putting aside disputes over natural resources, Israel will remain a Zionist supremacist state with a clear arsenal that can turn the entire Middle East into an inferno, and the enclaved improvised Palestinian Arab entity cannot exist without aid from the outside world. There will be democracy for the Jewish people of Israel, with second and perhaps third class citizenships for all others.
The Palestinians, as the last twenty years have shown, will be ruled under an autocratic corrupt police state. The plight of the Palestinian refugees living outside the new Palestine will continue and their right to return totally forgotten. The Jordanian regime may collapse to become the alternate home leading to civil wars between the indigenous Jordanians and the Palestinians. It is also reasonable to assume that, in order to preserve the Jewish identity of Israel, another Nakba will befall the Israeli Arabs who may be relocated to areas in the West Bank.
There can only be one solution — one state where Palestinians and Israelis alike are equal citizens in a nation that belongs indeed to the Middle East. Three conditions must be met for the new state to take hold: dissolving the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah and the Hamas Government in Gaza, the rejection of Zionism by the Israelis, and the return of the Palestinian refugees. These can only be accomplished under the auspices of the United Nations (UN).
Whereas the defunct two state solution was proposed in 1947, when the UN General Assembly passed Resolution 181 calling for dividing historic Palestine into two entities and for granting Jerusalem an international status, the reversal of this resolution by the Assembly is imperative…. more.. e-mail
Call To Action: Canada Boat to Gaza: We Will Not Let Israel Control Gaza or International Waters
In Gaza: 2 Jul 2011 – Israel’s Blockade has reached the shores of Europe We Will Not Let Israel Control Gaza or International Water The Canadian Boat to Gaza, ‘The Tahrir’, is being prevented by Greek authorities from leaving its port in Greece. The US Boat to Gaza, ‘The Audacity of Hope’, set sail for Gaza today from a port in Greece but was quickly stopped and boarded by the Greek Navy authorities Please e-mail your MP and the Greek embassy and consulates. Sample letters appear below , please personalize them or take a few paragraphs from the sample letter that you find particularly effective. When writing to MPs or others for such action, the subject line is of the utmost importance. Letter to Canadian MPs LINK to MP contact information : http://www.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/MainMPsCompleteList.aspx Dear [NAME of MP in your riding]: I am writing to you as a concerned Canadian about the alarming news that vessels bound for the…more
Gaza Mobilizes for Freedom Flotilla
Palestine Chronicle: 2 Jul 2011 – By Joe Catron An international flotilla of nine ships and hundreds of crew and passengers is a huge undertaking, in Gaza as much as anywhere. Mahmoud Elmadhoun knows this better than most. A member of Gaza’s Higher Government Committee, as well as the Governmental Committee for Breaking the Siege and Receiving Delegations (GCBS), which is tasked with welcoming solidarity missions to Gaza, he just finished hosting the Miles of Smiles convoy of 55 European dentists. Now he could face one of the most daunting challenges in the GCBS’ history: Freedom Flotilla — Stay Human. “The main issue is whether the Israelis will let the Flotilla come,” Elmadhoun told me last Monday in his office in the Foreign Ministry. Their reception in Gaza, he assured me, was not a question. “We are ready to receive those people. Don’t worry; within 24 hours’ notice of their departure from Athens, everything will be…more
On Israel’s Mythic History
Palestine Chronicle: 2 Jul 2011 – By George Polley From the beginning the official Israeli narrative has followed a very simple script: A homeless and persecuted people, the victims of pogroms and genocide, asked for and were granted a homeland in the land that was taken from them nearly two thousand years ago. Promising that it would “ensure [the] complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex; … guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture; … safeguard the Holy Places of all religions; and … [would] be faithful to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations” (source: The Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel, May 14, 1948), it was a narrative that most people supported and most people believed. After all, the Israeli leadership sounded sincere, so why wouldn’t they be? What was buried in the narrative was a sinister…more
Flotilla II: Brave Activists, Spineless Politicians
Palestine Chronicle: 2 Jul 2011 – By Stuart Littlwood It doesn’t look good. Our oh-so-moral international community, always poking its democracy-loving nose into any trouble spot that might threaten western security (whatever that means) and always eager to mobilize its mighty weapons of war, is still reluctant to operate on the cancer it foolishly implanted into the Holy Land 63 years ago and which now menaces the world. Instead, our heroes encourage it to grow and won’t even protect the ‘caring services’ wishing to sooth the excruciating pain suffered by the Palestinian victims. And right now it’s disappointing to find that the Free Gaza Flotilla’s new international media office in London is not up to the job. It issued its first press release this week. An accompanying note told us that “the steering committee decided it didn’t want a unified media strategy” — a fatal mistake, surely, when faced with an aggressive campaign of distortion, disinformation…more
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The New Dark Age 